CHANTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Project Details

The Commission

OSG were approached by a local contractor, WW Martin, to provide architectural services on a design and build basis for this replacement primary school in Gravesend, Kent.

The contractor had been commissioned by the Education and Skills Funding Agency; KCC are partial funders of the project, as well as owners of the site freehold.

This school has been due for replacement for a number of years. The original building stock, constructed in the 1930s, is now in a poor state of repair and, in terms of design and layout, does not provide suitable accommodation in which to teach the modern curriculum. The ESFA had explored various solutions for either re-working the existing building or replacing it; however, these all proved to be either financially unviable or in contradiction of local planning policies relating to the impact of the site on neighbouring properties.

A final solution has now been reached, based on providing a full school decant into temporary accommodation, demolishing the existing building and constructing a modern replacement. This will provide a facility that is fit for modern teaching methods, is far more efficient in terms of thermal values, heating and ventilation, and takes up far less space on the site (while still accommodating the required number of students and staff).

The scheme will provide many benefits: not only lower running costs but also additional play space on a town-centre site that currently has very restricted outdoor space. It will also give the site a facelift and reduce the impact of the built form on neighbouring properties, as the mass and height of the new building will be substantially smaller than the existing one.

Our Approach

Unusually for a design and build project, we have been commissioned to provide a full architectural service and have worked closely with the contractor, the school and the ESFA to realise a design that works for all parties. The tight deadlines for submission of design, planning and working drawing packages proved to be the biggest challenge, so we made sure that staff working on the project were both able and competent at using 3D Revit software. This enabled us to produce a full digital 3D model that could be shared with the other consultants during all stages of the scheme.

This project is due to start on site in spring 2018 and we look forward to seeing construction commence!

Education: Our work in the educational sector ranges from children’s centres, through infant and primary schools to secondary and university facilities including both state and private schools. In all projects we aim improve and support learning environments through quality and creativity.

Masterplanning: Master Planning at OSG ranges from large-scale urban designs to more detailed and complex individual sites. In all cases, we look to create sustainable environments that are respectful of the site, its history and the local vernacular.

Residential: For the majority of us, where we live is vitally important for comfort, security and an expression of our lifestyle. Our residential projects aim to meet these aspirations whether this is for Housing Associations or private residential clients. We aim to create unique communities along with reinvigorating existing neighbourhoods.

Commercial / Industrial: We have developed our design strategy to create functional, healthy, productive and efficient workspaces for our clients, all unique to their individual specifications.

Leisure: We are involved in various leisure projects that bring project diversity to the company.